India Yamaha Motor appoints Hajime Aota as Chairman to lead Indian operations
India Yamaha Motor Pvt. Ltd. has announced the appointment of Hajime Aota as Chairman of Yamaha Motor India Group, effective January 1, 2026. The leadership change is part of a broader transition at the Japanese two-wheeler manufacturer’s Indian operations, as the company looks to strengthen its market position and align closely with global strategy.
Aota brings extensive experience from Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.’s global headquarters in Japan, where he served as Executive Officer and Chief General Manager of the Corporate Strategy Center. His responsibilities included leading corporate strategy, sustainability initiatives and digital transformation across Yamaha’s global businesses.
Strong background in strategy, innovation and venture investments
In addition to his corporate strategy role, Aota chaired Yamaha Motor Ventures & Laboratory Silicon Valley, the company’s venture capital arm. In this position, he oversaw strategic investments across sectors such as robotics, transportation, fintech, insurtech, digital health and data-driven technologies. His work supported Yamaha Motor’s expansion into new business domains beyond conventional mobility.
Aota also contributed to Yamaha Motor’s long-term vision for 2030, titled “Art for Human Possibilities,” and played a key role in new business development and corporate planning initiatives. His leadership experience spans innovation management, sustainability planning and global organisational strategy.
Focus on premium products and growth in India
Commenting on his appointment, Aota highlighted India’s importance as one of the world’s most dynamic two-wheeler markets. He stated that Yamaha’s focus will remain on premium products, innovation and a customer-centric approach, while blending global engineering expertise with the evolving expectations of Indian riders.
India Yamaha Motor entered the Indian market in 1985 and became a wholly owned subsidiary of Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. in 2001. Mitsui & Co., Ltd. later joined as a joint investor in 2008. The company currently operates manufacturing facilities in Surajpur, Uttar Pradesh, and Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, producing motorcycles and components for domestic and export markets.
